I echo maestro's take for sure!


But really no surprise here!
It's part of the American mentality - wild west mentality - the cowboy & indians mentality in America. And of course, don't forget the history of policing in America with its roots in slavery etc/'slave patrols', etc etc.

There's also the empathy part of it: these cops probably see this ole woman as someone who could be part of their family with stress issues, and thus not quick on the trigger.

Again, maestro's point is well taken and probably more relevant to current law enforcement attitudes.